Healthcare and cosmetic compositions containing nanodiamond

ABSTRACT

Nanodiamonds can be included in various compositions to take advantage of the ability of nanodiamond to reduce or prevent the formation of free radicals through administering the particles to a subject. Nanodiamonds can be administered through a variety of means to a tissue area of the subject, thus reducing or preventing the formation of free radicals and reducing the signs of ageing. The nanodiamonds may be incorporated into a composition that includes a variety of components including biologically or cosmetically acceptable carriers, dispersants, and additional active ingredients.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/814,660, filed Mar. 30, 2004, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cosmetic and remedial health compositions and to methods for the preparation thereof. Accordingly, the present invention involves the fields of chemistry, healthcare, materials science, and cosmetics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diamond is the hardest material known and is commonly used as a superabrasive for removing excess materials. Typical superabrasive products include diamond saws, grinding wheels, polishing pads and the like. Diamond superabrasives have been commercially available in a number of mesh sizes. For example, diamond saws typically incorporate diamond particles having a U.S. mesh size of 18 (about 1 mm) to 60 (about 0.25 mm). Grinding applications often employ diamond particles having a size of 60 to 400 (about 37 microns) U.S. mesh, while polishing applications typically require diamond fines down to about 0.1 micron. Until recently, diamond particles smaller than about 100 nm were not commercially available.

Diamond micron powders are commonly made by pulverizing waste diamond grains that are not otherwise suitable for ultrafine polishing where nanometer scale smoothness is desired. Further, typical pulverized diamond particles include sharp corners and irregular shapes which are not suitable for polishing of expensive workpieces such as silicon wafers, integrated circuitry, and the like. Most expensive workpieces are currently polished using conventional abrasives such as silicon carbide and aluminum oxide.

In addition, it is typically not commercially feasible to pulverize diamond waste to particle sizes below 100 nm. Moreover, very fine diamond particles are too small to be sized by sieving as they tend to plug the screen holes. Hence, sedimentation has been the primary technique to sort diamond fines by size. Sedimentation techniques can take over a week when particle sizes are smaller than 100 nm, however, can be accelerated somewhat using centrifugal force.

Most diamond superabrasives are synthesized from graphite under ultrahigh pressure (e.g. 5.5 GPa) using molten metal (e.g., Fe, Ni, Co or their alloys) as catalyst. Under conditions of high temperature and high pressure, graphite is dissolved or dispersed in the molten catalyst and precipitates out as diamond. The growth rate of a diamond crystal is partially dependent on the pressure and temperature, and can be as fast as about 1 mm per hour. Typically, the materials in a diamond growth reaction cell are not sufficiently uniform to allow precise control of diamond growth. Moreover, the pressure and temperatures have large gradients which vary during diamond synthesis. Consequently, it would not be practical to grow diamond having a size smaller than a few microns.

An alternative method to grow micron sized diamond is by compressing graphite with a shock wave. Graphite powder can be mixed with a cooling metal (e.g. Cu) powder and the mixture is sealed in a steel tube. The tube is then surrounded by an explosive that is capable of generating a shock wave through the tube when ignited. In this case, a high pressure is maintained for merely about one microsecond. The diamond grains thus formed are typically several microns in size. However, these grains are polycrystalline in nature.

In recent years, nanoparticles of diamond have become commercially available. Such nanodiamond particles are commonly formed by explosion. However, instead of graphite being compressed with a shock wave, the dynamite (e.g. TNT and RDX mixture) itself is converted to nanodiamond during less than a microsecond when both the pressure and temperature are high, i.e. over 20 GPa and 3000° C. Nanodiamonds so formed are typically smaller than 10 nm (e.g. 5 nm) and tend to have a very narrow size distribution, i.e. from about 4 nm to about 10 nm. Moreover, the surface of these nanodiamonds contains diamond or diamond-like carbon, such as bucky balls (C60), layered shells, carbon nanotubes, and amorphous carbon. Thus, these nanodiamonds are extremely hard without sharp corners.

Nanodiamond has been used as abrasives for the ultra-fine polishing of hard materials (e.g. gems), hardening wear resistant coatings (e.g. Cr coatings), strengthening soft materials (e.g. rubber), and as a mechanical lubricant (e.g. engine oil additive). However, the properties and applications of nanodiamond particles continue to be explored.

As a result, compositions and methods of using nanodiamond which improve desirable properties of various compositions continue to be sought.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To this point, there has been no report on the usefulness of nanodiamond in reducing or preventing the formation of free radicals, and consequently, preventing or reversing the signs of aging both on a molecular level as well as on a visible level such as with wrinkle minimization. Hence, one purpose of this invention is to use nanodiamond in various compositions and applications to take advantage of the ability of nanodiamonds to reduce and/or prevent the formation of free radicals.

In one aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing and/or reducing the formation of free radicals is presented. The method entails administering nanodiamond particles to a tissue area of a subject. The nanodiamonds to be administered can have an average particle size of from about 0.5 nm to about 50 nm. The nanodiamonds may be applied to a variety of tissues including internal tissue and external tissue. The administration may be accomplished directly (as with external tissue), orally, parenterally, and through inhalation.

The nanodiamonds can be administered to external tissue. Of great importance in society today is the appearance of such external tissue as skin, particularly facial skin. Therefore, nanodiamonds can be incorporated into compositions such as lotions, gels, suspensions, powders, etc. which facilitate the application of the nanodiamonds to the skin.

Likewise, nanodiamonds can be administered to internal tissue through a variety of means. In one embodiment, the nanodiamond particles may be included in a formulation to be swallowed. In this embodiment, the nanodiamond particles may be included in a functional food, tablet, capsule, powder, liquid, suspension, or such combination.

A composition for the reduction or prevention of free radicals is also presented. The composition includes nanodiamond particles, which have an average size of from about 0.5 nm to about 50 nm. The composition also includes a biologically acceptable or a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The carrier may be of any form including solid and liquid. A non-exhaustive list of potential carriers includes water, gels, glycerin, alcohols, emollients, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, maltodextrin, carrageenans, MCC, sugars, alcohol sugars, lactose, and such combinations. Nanodiamond particles can be present in the composition in any effective combination. In one embodiment, the nanodiamond particles comprise from about 1 wt % to about 60 wt % of the composition.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, various features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a solvent” includes reference to one or more of such solvents, and reference to “the dispersant” includes reference to one or more of such dispersants.

As used herein, “formulation” and “composition” may be used interchangeably and refer to a combination of elements that is presented together for a given purpose. Such terms are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, “carrier,” “inert carrier,” and “acceptable carrier” may be used interchangeably and refer to a carrier which may be combined with a plurality of nanodiamond particles in order to provide a desired composition. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of carriers that are well known for making specific compositions for administration to tissue.

As used herein, “cosmetically acceptable carrier” refers to a material which is suitable for application to generally external tissue, including skin and keratinous surfaces or other areas of the body. Upon application, cosmetically acceptable carriers are substantially free of adverse reactions with skin and other tissue.

As used herein, “biologically acceptable carrier” refers to a material which is suitable for use in connection with a particular biological material. A biologically acceptable carrier is compatible with, and does not adversely affect, a biological material or subject contacted therewith under prescribed conditions. Generally speaking, biologically acceptable carriers are also cosmetically acceptable carriers.

As used herein, “active ingredient” refers to the substance of a dosage form which performs the desired function. In the example of a capsule of nanodiamond particles, the nanodiamond particles are the active ingredient and the additional capsule filler, sometimes called excipient, is an inactive ingredient. Nanodiamond particles are considered active ingredients as they are the component of any composition responsible for the reduction or prevention of the formation of free radicals.

As used herein, “administration,” and “administering” refer to the manner in which an active ingredient, such as nanodiamond particles, is presented to a subject. Administration can be accomplished by various routes well known in the art such as oral and non-oral methods.

“Oral administration” can be achieved by swallowing, chewing, or sucking of an oral dosage form comprising the active ingredient. Oral administration may be carried out by a variety of means. A non-exhaustive list of possible oral administration means include providing the active ingredient in the form of: functional foods, tablets, capsules, caplets, and powder. The active ingredient may also be present in a liquid form such as solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, to offer a non-limiting list of examples. The oral dosage forms are traditionally intended to substantially release and/or deliver the active ingredient in the body at a point beyond the mouth and/or buccal cavity.

“Skin,” “skin surface,” “derma,” “epidermis,” and similar terms are used interchangeably herein, and refer to not only the outer skin of a subject comprising the epidermis, but also to mucosal surfaces to which a drug composition may be administered. Examples of mucosal surfaces include the mucosal of the respiratory (including nasal and pulmonary), oral (mouth and buccal), vaginal, introital, labial, and rectal surfaces.

As used herein, the term “functional food” refers to a class of food that claims to promote good or improved health, prevents disease, or the like, beyond the basic function of food which is to supply nutrients to the body. By including a sufficient amount of nanodiamond particles in a normal food, a functional food is thus formed. Nanodiamond particles may be included in a food through addition to the normal processing of the food (i.e. baking the nanodiamond particles into the food), spraying a coating containing nanodiamond particles on a surface of the food, mixing the nanodiamond particles into a food product (such as yogurt, ice cream, juice, etc.), or any other method to incorporate nanodiamond particles into a food.

As used herein, the term “nutraceutical” refers to substances that are generally considered food or food ingredients that impart medical or health benefits. Included in the medical or health benefits is prevention and treatment of disease, and the prevention or slowing of aging. Nutraceuticals include functional foods, nutrients, dietary supplements, and herbal products.

As used herein, the term “cosmeceutical” refers to cosmetic products that impart medicinal or health benefits, as with nutraceuticals. Typically, cosmeceuticals are applied to the skin.

“Parenteral” administration can be achieved by injecting a composition, including the active ingredient, intraveneously, intra-arterially, intramuscularly, intrathecally, or subsutaneously, etc.

As used herein, the term “topical,” in reference to administration, means applying an active ingredient directly to the skin surface. The active ingredient may be in the form of a composition, to aid in application. Examples of topical formulations include but are not limited to lotions, ointments, creams, gels, sprays, pastes, and powders.

“Composition” and “formulation” are used interchangeably.

As used herein, “cosmetic” is an adjective referring to improving the appearance of a surface or covering defects. Typically, cosmetic compositions can be used to improve aesthetic rather than functional aspects of a surface. Most commonly, cosmetic compositions are formulated for application as a health and beauty treatment or for affecting personal appearance of the body, for example, keratinous surfaces such as skin, hair, nails, and the like.

As used herein, “remedial” is an adjective referring to remedying, correcting, treating, improving, or preventing an undesirable condition. A remedial composition can therefore be formulated to remove undesirable materials such as sebum, dead skin, and the like from the skin. Similarly, remedial compositions can be configured to remove, prevent or minimize formation of undesirable elements such as odor-producing bacteria and the like. Alternatively, remedial compositions can remedy a structural defect such as in dental reconstruction or as a cavity filler material.

As used herein, “biological material” refers to any material which is a product of a biological organism. Typical biological materials of interest can include organic oils, sebum, bacteria, epithelial cells, amino acids, proteins, DNA, and the like.

As used herein, “bonded” and “bonding,” when used in connection with nanodiamond contact with biological materials, refers to bonding such as covalent bonding, ionic bonding, mechanical bonding, van der Waals attractions, hydrogen bonding, or other intermolecular attractive forces.

“Effective amount” refers to an amount of a substance which is sufficient to achieve its intended purpose or effect. Various biological factors may affect the ability of a delivered substance, such as nanodiamond particles, to perform its intended task. Therefore, an “effective amount” may be dependent on such biological factors.

As used herein, “functionalized nanodiamonds” are those nanodiamond particles which have surfaces which have attachment groups. The attachment groups can purposefully attach to biological material. A non-limiting list of covalent attachment groups includes amines, olefins, thiols, and disulfides. Specifically included in the attachment group are dangling electrons, which can form a reversible attachment with biological material. The purposeful attachment, and surface functionalization may include any known means for functionalizing nanodiamond particles and/or attaching biological material to a diamond surface. Potential methods are discussed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/840,288, filed Aug. 25, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited.

For example, a range of 1 to 5 should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of 1 and 5, but also to include individual values such as 2, 2.7, 3.6, 4.2, and sub-ranges such as 1-2.5, 1.8-3.2, 2.6-4.9, etc. This interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristic being described, and also applies to open-ended ranges reciting only one end point, such as “greater than 25,” or “less than 10.”

The Invention

The present invention provides compositions containing nanodiamond particles. More specifically, nanodiamond particles can be included in remedial healthcare and cosmetic compositions to provide a number of advantages. The presence of nanodiamond particles can enhance mechanical properties, as well as provide improved bonding of certain biological materials.

Nanodiamond can also reduce and prevent the formation of free radicals. Free radical theory teaches that free radicals may be responsible for aging through causing damage to protein, lipid, and nucleic acids. Over time, the damage caused by free radicals leads to reduction of function, which dominoes into greater problems throughout the cell, organ, and body. Free radicals have also been linked to disease. Present theories link such diseases as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and atherosclerosis to free radical damage. Visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, have also been linked to free radical damage. Fortunately, it was recently discovered that nanodiamonds can prevent or limit free radical formation. By supplying nanodiamond particles to tissue, then, the nanodiamonds act to prevent disease and even aging.

In one embodiment, a method of reducing or preventing the formation of free radicals in a subject is presented. The method entails administering nanodiamond particles to a tissue area of the subject. The nanodiamonds administered preferably have an average size of from about 0.5 nm to about 50 nm.

The tissue area can include internal tissue or skin as herein defined. The administration to internal tissue may be through an oral route. In oral administration, the nanodiamond particles may be swallowed. Preferably, the nanodiamonds are not swallowed individually, but are taken as part of a composition or formulation. Non-limiting examples of oral administration forms include functional foods, tablets, capsules, powder, liquid, suspensions, or combinations thereof. By way of example, nanodiamonds could be sprayed in a film over foodstuffs to create functional foods. Additionally, nanodiamonds could be included in drinks or food along with other fortification-type ingredients (e.g. calcium in orange juice, iron in cereal). Furthermore, nanodiamonds could be a component in vitamin and nutraceutical formulations such as multi-vitamin and/or mineral tablets, capsules, powders, etc. In the context of the present disclosure, capsules specifically included gelatin capsules. Alternatively, formulations for oral administration could simply hold nanodiamond as the single active ingredient, and be formulated to include such additional ingredients as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of additional ingredients include flow agents, diluents or fillers, binders, dispersants, disintegrants, effervescing aids, surfactants, lubricants, glidants, anti-adherents, anti-static agents, colorant, flavor, scent, sweetener, coatings, encapsulation aids, suspending/gelling agents, granulation agents, time-release aids, and other excipients. Use and quantities of such ingredients is application specific and generally requires a limited amount of experimentation to produce a viable product. Such formulation and experimentation is within the abilities of one of ordinary skill in the art.

Another means of administering nanodiamond to internal tissue is via parenteral administration. One such type of parenteral administration is in the form of an injectable suspension. Still another means of application to internal tissue is through inhalation. In an embodiment, inhalation may be of a suspension, aerosol, or powder. Formulations including nanodiamond in the injectable form, suspension, aerosol and powder forms would be within the purview of one skilled in the art, wherein nanodiamond would be included as an active ingredient.

As previously mentioned, application could be to the skin. In one embodiment, a nanodiamond composition could be applied directly to the skin. Such compositions include any material which could be placed in direct contact with skin. Non-limiting examples include liquid emulsions, cream emulsions, pressed powder, loose powder, dispersions, creams, gels, suspensions, sticks. Lotions may include skin lotion, facial lotion, moisturizer, liquid foundation, eye cream, facial masks (even those which are designed to dry while on the skin), cover up, sunscreen, moisturizer, or any formulation with the consistency matching those products listed. The nanodiamonds could be included in a cosmetic, thus creating a cosmeceutical. Non-limiting examples of cosmetics include lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, liquid foundation, concealer, cream foundation, powder, bronzer, blush (powder, cream, and gel), mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, mineral cosmetics. It naturally follows that the skin may be facial skin, where the nanodiamonds may be administered.

In one embodiment, the nanodiamond particles may be dispersed in a carrier with a disperant prior to application. Depending on the carrier, an optional dispersant can be used. In one embodiment, the carrier is a biologically acceptable carrier. Of course, the particular biologically acceptable carriers and other components may vary depending on the specific formulation. Non-limiting examples of biologically acceptable carriers include water, gels, glycerin, alcohols, emollients, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, maltodextrin, carrageenans, MCC, sugars, alcohol sugars, lactose, and such combinations. However, the following discussion illustrates several currently preferred nanodiamond compositions and associated benefits. Examples of such compositions include dental filling, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, antibiotic, dermal strip, skin cleanser, or exfoliant. Other similar compositions can also be formulated to incorporate nanodiamond particles given the disclosure herein.

Nanodiamond particles typically carry an electrical charge which leads to aggregation and flocculation of particles. In most cases, this aggregation of nanodiamond particles is undesirable. Therefore, an optional dispersant can be included which improves the uniformity of nanodiamond distribution. In this way, a colloidal suspension can be formed in which the nanodiamond particles remain substantially uniformly dispersed over an extended period of time, e.g., typically months or years. Preferably, the nanodiamond particles remain dispersed during the useful shelf-life of the particular composition. The dispersant can be provided in the form of a specific compound separate from the carrier in a liquid nanodiamond composition. However, in certain situations, e.g. for highly viscous compositions, the carrier can also be the dispersant. Thus, in some embodiments such as a solid deodorant, toothpaste, soaps, viscous nail polish, and the like, the carrier can provide sufficient viscous support to prevent agglomeration and/or settling of the nanodiamond particles.

Any suitable dispersant can be used which is compatible with a particular carrier. However, several non-limiting examples of dispersants include anionic surfactants, electrolytes, alcohols, metal chlorides and nitrates such as Al, Na, Ca, and Fe chlorides and nitrates, viscous biologically acceptable carriers, and the like. Other suitable nanodiamond dispersants include isopropyl triisosteroyl titanate, polyethylene-oxides, and other anionic surfactants. One specific suitable surfactant which can be used is stearalkonium hectorite. The dispersant can also provide other properties to a composition such as pH control. Further, the amount of dispersant can depend on the amount of nanodiamond present and the viscosity of the composition. However, as a general guideline, the composition can include from 1 wt % to about 30 wt % dispersant.

The compositions of the present invention can include a plurality of nanodiamond particles. Suitable nanodiamond particles can have an average size of from about 0.5 nm to about 50 nm. In some embodiments the plurality of nanodiamond particles can have an average size from 1 nm to about 10 nm, preferably from about 4 nm to about 8 nm, and most preferably about 5 nm. The concentration of nanodiamond particles will vary depending on the composition and the desired effect, as discussed in more detail below. As a practical matter, the plurality of nanodiamond particles is typically about 1 wt % to about 80 wt % of the composition. Nanodiamond particles can be formed using a number of known techniques such as shock wave synthesis, CVD, and the like. Currently preferred nanodiamond particles are produced by shock wave synthesis.

In one embodiment, the nanodiamond particles may be functionalized. In a further embodiment, the nanodiamond particles may be functionalized with an amino/peptide group. The present disclosure contemplates that the nanodiamond will be an active ingredient in any formulation. In one embodiment, however, the nanodiamond particles may have dual roles as both carrier and active ingredient wherein the nanodiamond particle is functionalized and attached to another so-called active ingredient. Such arrangement may be desired when the active ingredient is also designed to have a beneficial effect on free radical propagation.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the remedial healthcare composition is formulated as a dental material. The dental material can be formulated for use as a filling, veneer, reconstruction, and the like. The dental material can include an acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamond particles. Acceptable carriers are known in the art and can include, for example, composite resins, polymeric resins, ceramics, and other known carriers. In addition, the dental material can include additives such as colorants, fillers, etc. Although dental compositions can include colorants or additives to provide whiteness for cosmetic purposes, the primary purpose of the dental material is remedying a defect in a tooth and preventing future decay. Such dental materials are known and a more detailed description can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,020,395; 6,121,344; and 6,593,395, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties.

Dental compositions in accordance with the present invention include a plurality of nanodiamond particles. The nanodiamond particles can provide additional mechanical strength, as well as an appearance which approximates natural enamel when dry. In several embodiments of the present invention, the nanodiamond particles can be present in the composition at from about 1 wt % to about 60 wt %, and preferably from about 10 wt % to about 40 wt %.

In addition to mechanical strength, introduction of nanodiamond particles to a composition can provide a number of beneficial properties. One of such beneficial properties is an impressive ability of nanodiamonds to absorb oil and other organic materials. Carbon atoms are very small (about 1.5 angstroms); thus, various forms of carbon can pack to form a high atomic concentration. In fact, diamond has the highest atomic concentration (176 atom/nm³) of all known materials. This high atomic concentration contributes to the exceptional hardness of diamond. As a result, any given surface area of a nanodiamond particle can include many more atoms than other nanoparticles of the same size.

Diamond is among the most inert materials known. Specifically, at temperatures below about 500° C., diamond typically does not react with other materials. Further, diamond is compatible with most biological systems. This is due, at least in part, to the sp³ bonding of diamond and the similar bonding of most biological materials containing roughly around 25% carbon in sp³ bonding. As such, diamond is ideal for use in medical applications, e.g., artificial replacements (joint coatings, heart valves, etc.), and will not deteriorate over time.

Although diamond is highly stable, if the nanodiamond surface is free of adsorbent or absorbent, i.e. clean, it is thought that carbon atoms on the surface contain unpaired electrons that are highly reactive. As a result, nanodiamond particles can readily bond to and effectively absorb a variety of atomic species. For example, small atoms such as H, B, C, N, O, and F can be readily adsorbed on the nanodiamond surface, although other atoms can also be absorbed. Hence, nanodiamond particles, with their vast number of surface atoms, can hold a large amount of such adsorbed atoms. For example, nanodiamond particles are capable of absorbing almost as many hydrogen atoms as the number of carbon atoms. Thus, nanodiamond particles can be used as storage sites for hydrogen. In addition, those small atoms are building blocks, e.g., H, CO, OH, COOH, N, CN and NO, of organic materials including biological molecules. Consequently, nanodiamond particles can readily attach to amino acids, proteins, cells, DNA, RNA, and other biological materials, and nanodiamond particles can be used to remove skin oils, facial oils, compounds that result in body odor, bacteria, etc.

Further, nanodiamonds are typically smaller than most viruses (10 to 100 nm) and bacteria (10 to 100 μm). Therefore, nanodiamond can be used to penetrate the outer layers of viruses and bacteria and then attach to RNA, DNA or other groups within the organism to prevent the virus or bacteria from functioning. Similarly, nanodiamond can be used in conjunction with known drug delivery mechanisms to treat cancer or acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a method of binding biological molecules can include formulating a nanodiamond composition containing a plurality of nanodiamond particles. The nanodiamond particles can be dispersed in a biologically acceptable carrier. The nanodiamond composition can then be contacted with a biological material such that at least a portion of the biological material is bonded to the nanodiamond composition. Examples of biological materials include organic oils, sebum, bacteria, epithelial cells, amino acids, proteins, DNA, and combinations thereof. Once the biological material is bonded to nanodiamond, the nanodiamond composition can be removed from the surface or environment. The nanodiamond composition can then be discarded or further treated to identify or otherwise utilize the absorbed biological material. In one embodiment, the nanodiamond composition can be formulated as any of the following products: deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, antibiotic, dermal strip, DNA test strip, or skin cleanser.

Similarly, in one aspect, nanodiamond compositions of the present invention can be remedial healthcare compositions formulated for skin care. Non-limiting examples of skin care formulations include lotions, facial tissue lotion, deodorant, dermal strip, skin cleanser, soap, antibiotic, and exfoliant. Alternatively, the remedial healthcare composition can be formulated as toothpaste, shampoo, or other similar product.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the remedial healthcare composition can be formulated as a lotion. The lotion can include an acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamond particles. Acceptable carriers are known in the art and can include, for example, glycerin, alcohols, water, gels, combinations of these materials, and other known carriers. In addition, the lotion can include additives such as fragrance, colorants, vitamin E, herbal supplements, antibiotics, UV absorbers, sun-block agents, and the like. A more detailed description of various lotions can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,207,175 and 6,248,339, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. In these embodiments of the present invention, the nanodiamond particles can be present in the composition at from about 1 wt % to about 40 wt %, and preferably from about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %.

In a similar embodiment, the remedial healthcare composition can be formulated as a lotion for application in a facial tissue. The facial tissue lotion can include an acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamond particles. Acceptable carriers are known in the art and can include, for example, glycerin, alcohols, water, gels, combinations of these materials, and other known carriers. In addition, the lotion can include additives such as fragrance, colorants, vitamin E, herbal supplements, antibiotics, UV absorbers, sun-block agents, and the like. A more detailed description of facial lotion formulations can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,794, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The presence of nanodiamond particles can improve absorption of oils and undesirable deposits from the skin without abrasiveness associated with larger diamond particles. The nanodiamonds can be present in the facial tissue lotion composition at from about 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, and preferably from about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the remedial healthcare composition can be formulated as a deodorant. The deodorant can include an acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamond particles. Acceptable carriers can vary considerably depending on the specific formulation. For example, deodorants can be formulated as a solid, gel, cream or the like. Suitable carriers can include, but are not limited to, dimethicones, silicone fluids (e.g., siloxanes), glycerin, alcohols, water, gels, sorbitols, and other known carriers. In addition, the deodorant can include additives such as fragrance, stabilizing agents, pH or buffer agents, solvents, antiperspirant agents, and the like. A more detailed description of various deodorant formulations can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,968,490; 6,358,499; and 6,503,488, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. When included in deodorant compositions, the nanodiamond particles can be present in the composition at from about 1 wt % to about 40 wt %, and preferably from about 2 wt % to about 20 wt %.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the remedial healthcare composition can be formulated as a dermal strip. Dermal strips are typically formed having a backing substrate with an oil or sebum absorbing composition coated thereon or within the substrate. The dermal strip can include an acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamond particles on the substrate. Acceptable carriers are known in the art and can include, for example, hemp, pulp papers, porous polymeric thermoplastics, and other known carriers. Additives such as herbal extracts, vitamins, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, fragrance, and the like can also be included. A more detailed description of dermal strips can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0211954 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,985,300; 6,106,818; and 6,607,719, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. In these embodiments of the present invention, the nanodiamond particles can be present in the composition at from about 1 wt % to about 40 wt %, and preferably from about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %.

In a slightly different embodiment of the present invention, the remedial healthcare composition can be formulated as a skin cleanser. The skin cleanser can include an acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamond particles. Acceptable carriers are known in the art and can include, for example, glycerin, alcohols, collagen, elastin, gels, copolymeric materials, and other known carriers. In addition, the skin cleanser can include additives such as fragrance, colorants, vitamin E, herbal supplements, antibiotics, UV absorbers, hydrating agents, sun-block agents, exfoliating agents, and the like. A more detailed description of various skin cleansers can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,944,506; 4,048,123; 4,737,307; and 6,518,228, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. In these embodiments of the present invention, the nanodiamond particles can be present in the skin cleanser composition at from about 1 wt % to about 50 wt %, and preferably from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the remedial healthcare composition can be formulated as an antibiotic composition. Such antibiotic compositions can be formed as a skin cleanser, lotion, wound dressing, and the like similar to the other compositions described herein. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,187,327 and 6,579,516, which are incorporated herein by reference, describe several suitable carriers and types of compositions which can be used in connection with the present invention. Including nanodiamonds in antibiotic and lotion compositions can also increase healing of skin and removal of damaged skin such as with sunburns and scar tissue.

Alternatively, the remedial healthcare composition can be formulated as toothpaste including an acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamond particles. Basic formulation of toothpastes is known in the art. Common acceptable carriers can include, for example, glycerin, sorbitol, silicas (e.g., amorphous, hydrated, etc.), thickening agents such as carrageenan and salts of cellulose ethers, alcohols, water, gels, combinations of these materials, and other known carriers. In addition, the toothpaste can include additives such as sodium fluoride, fragrance, flavors, colorants, herbal supplements, and the like. A more detailed description of various toothpaste formulations can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,414,199; 6,117,415; and 6,123,925, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. In these embodiments of the present invention, the nanodiamond particles can be present in the composition at from about 1 wt % to about 40 wt %, and preferably from about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %.

The remedial healthcare compositions of the present invention can also be formulated as a shampoo. The shampoo can include an acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamond particles. Acceptable carriers are known in the art and can include, for example, surfactants, alcohols, water, glycerin, gels, combinations of these materials, and other known carriers. In addition, the shampoo can include additives such as fragrance, colorants, vitamin E, herbal supplements, and the like. A more detailed description of various shampoos can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,326,483 and 6,306,805, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. In these embodiments of the present invention, the nanodiamond particles can be present in the composition at from about 1 wt % to about 40 wt %, and preferably from about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %.

Optional bubbling agents can also be added to the nanodiamond compositions of the present invention. Suitable bubbling agents can be included to increase contact of unsaturated nanodiamonds with a biological material. For example, over time, nanodiamond particles near a surface can become saturated with biological or other material. The presence of vapor bubbles can improve the rate at which such saturated nanodiamonds are removed from a surface. This can be advantageous in maximizing the effect of nanodiamonds in skin cleansers, deodorants, shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, and the like.

In another aspect of the present invention, a cosmetic nanodiamond composition can be formulated including a cosmetically acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamond particles dispersed in the carrier with a dispersant. For example, the cosmetic composition can be formulated as a nail polish, eyeliner, lip gloss, or exfoliant.

Preferably, the cosmetic nanodiamond composition can be formulated as a nail polish. A nanodiamond nail polish composition of the present invention can include a cosmetically acceptable carrier and a plurality of nanodiamonds dispersed therein. Additives can also be included such as, but not limited to, dispersant, pigment, plasticizer, bubbling agent, solvent, stabilizer, UV stabilizer, moisturizers, fragrances, and combinations thereof. Additional considerations and materials for nail enamel compositions generally are discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0064086 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,725,866; 5,882,636; and 6,352,687, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In one specific embodiment, the nanodiamond nail composition can include a polymeric resin, plasticizer, pigment, nanodiamonds, dispersant, solvent, and a UV stabilizer.

Suitable cosmetically acceptable carriers can include, but are not limited to, polymeric resins such as nitrocellulose resins, cellulose acetate resins, vinyl resins, acrylate resins, polyester resins, aldehyde derivatives such as tosylamide/formaldehyde resins, and other similar polymeric resins. Other resins can also be used which provide mechanical strength to the nail composition upon drying. Typically, such carriers can comprise from about 5 wt % to about 60 wt % of the nanodiamond nail polish composition.

Many of the above listed cosmetically acceptable carriers are somewhat rigid. Thus, softer resins can be combined with more rigid resins in order to provide mechanically sound nail enamel with some degree of flexibility. Additionally, optional plasticizers can be added to further increase the flexibility of the nail enamel upon drying. Addition of such softer resins and plasticizers can reduce premature cracking and chipping. Examples of suitable plasticizers can include benzoates, stearates, phosphates such as tricresyl phosphate, phthalates such as dibutyl phthalate and dioctyl phthalate, camphor, and the like.

The nanodiamond nail compositions typically include a solvent which provides a fluid, or spreadable composition that is suitable for application to a nail. The solvent then evaporates once applied to provide a durable hardened film on the nail, wherein the resin acts as a binder for the remaining components, e.g., pigments, nanodiamonds, etc. Non-limiting examples of common solvents which are suitable include acetates such as butyl acetate and ethyl acetate, alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol, ketones, toluene, xylene, and combinations of these solvents.

One of the primary purposes of nail compositions can be to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Specifically, various additives can be included which provide a wide range of colors and/or effects to the applied nail composition. For example, pigments can be included which provide a specific color to the applied nail composition. Organic pigments are most common; however, inorganic pigments can also be used. Such pigments are well known in the art and can be chosen accordingly to provide a desired color and consistency. Optional particulate materials such as mica, metal oxides, diamonds and the like can be added to provide a sparkle or other effects. For example, larger particulates create a sparkle appearance, while progressively smaller particulates can create a shimmer, or even pearlescent appearance.

The cosmetic nanodiamond composition can also include a dispersant such as those discussed above. One specific suitable dispersant for nanodiamond nail compositions which can be used in the present invention is stearalkonium hectorite.

In addition to the above-recited advantages of including nanodiamond particles in a nail formulation, the nanodiamond particles can also improve the durability of the applied nail compositions. Specifically, nanodiamonds can provide increased resistance to chipping and wear, e.g., typically a nanodiamond nail polish can last from about three to ten times longer than typical nail lacquer formulations. The nanodiamonds can be included in the cosmetic nanodiamond compositions of the present invention at about 1 wt % to about 50 wt % of the composition, and preferably from about 2 wt % to about 30 wt %.

EXAMPLE

The following example is provided in order to promote a more clear understanding of certain embodiments of the invention, and is in no way meant as a limitation thereon.

A nail polish composition is prepared including 20 wt % nitrocellulose resin, 20 wt % ethyl acetate, 25 wt % toluene and 10 wt % isopropyl alcohol solvents, 9 wt % dibutyl phthalate plasticizer, 5 wt % stearalkonium hectorite, and 3 wt % benzophenone UV stabilizer. The remaining weight percent includes an aqueous aluminum chloride suspension of 60 wt % nanodiamond particles.

It is to be understood that the above-described compositions and methods are only illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements.

Thus, while the present invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in materials, temperature, function, order, and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. 

1. A method of reducing or preventing the formation of free radicals in a subject, comprising administering nanodiamond particles to a tissue area of the subject, said nanodiamonds having an average size of from about 0.5 nm to about 50 nm.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue area of the subject is internal tissue.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the administration is oral administration and is accomplished by swallowing a formulation selected from the group consisting of: functional foods, tablets, capsules, powder, liquid, suspensions, or combinations thereof.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the administration is parenteral administration, and wherein the parenteral administration is an injectable suspension.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the administration is inhalation, and wherein the inhalation is of a suspension, aerosol, or powder.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue is skin.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein administration to the skin is through direct application of a nanodiamond composition.
 8. The method of claim 8, wherein the composition is a member selected from the group consisting of: liquid emulsions, cream emulsions, pressed powder, loose powder, dispersions, creams, lotions, gels, suspensions, sticks, and combinations thereof.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the composition is the lotion and is a member selected from the group consisting of skin lotion, facial lotion, moisturizer, liquid foundation, sunscreen, eye cream, facial mask, cover up, concealer, blush, and combinations thereof.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue area is skin.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the skin is facial skin.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the nanodiamond particles are dispersed in a carrier with a dispersant prior to application.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the carrier is a biologically acceptable carrier.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, electrolytes, alcohols, metal chlorides, metal nitrates, viscous biologically acceptable carriers, and mixtures thereof.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the nanodiamond particles are functionalized.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the nanodiamond particles are functionalized with an amino/peptide group.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the nanodiamond particles are attached to another active ingredient, such that the nanodiamond acts as a carrier and as an active ingredient.
 18. A composition for the reduction or prevention of free radicals, comprising a nanodiamond particles as recited in claim 1, including nanodiamond particles having an average size of from about 0.5 nm to about 50 nm, and further including a biologically acceptable carrier or a cosmetically acceptable carrier.
 19. The composition of claim 18, wherein the carrier is a biologically acceptable carrier.
 20. The composition of claim 19, wherein the biologically acceptable carrier is selected from the group consisting of water, gels, glycerin, alcohols, emollients, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, maltodextrin, carrageenans, MCC, sugars, alcohol sugars, lactose, and combinations thereof.
 21. The composition of claim 18, wherein the carrier is a cosmetically acceptable carrier.
 22. The composition of claim 21, wherein the cosmetically acceptable carrier is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, alcohols, water, gels, emollients, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, thickeners, and combinations thereof.
 23. The composition of claim 18, wherein the nanodiamond particles comprise from about 1 wt % to about 60 wt % of the composition.
 24. The composition of claim 18, wherein the nanodiamond particles have an average size from about 0.5 nm to about 10 nm.
 25. The composition of claim 24, wherein the nanodiamond particles have an average size from about 4 nm to about 8 nm.
 26. The composition of claim 19, wherein the nanodiamond particles are produced by shock wave synthesis. 